Tamil Nadu Tourist Dies At Dubare Elephant Camp After Elephant Clash Turns Fatal

A 33-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu died at Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Kodagu district on Monday after being trapped under an elephant during a clash between two camp elephants near the river, according to forest officials and state authorities.

The victim, identified as Jhansi from Tamil Nadu, was watching a bathing session from the riverbank when the situation turned chaotic. During the confusion, Jhansi reportedly fell and became stuck under one of the elephants, suffering fatal injuries at the site.

Dubare Elephant Camp clash between Kanjan and Martanda

Forest officials stated that two Dubare Elephant Camp elephants, Kanjan and Martanda, suddenly behaved aggressively while being bathed. Mahouts attempted to calm both animals, but officials said Kanjan allegedly charged at Martanda, causing Martanda to stumble and collapse, which resulted in Jhansi being fatally crushed.

Describing the event, officials emphasised that the elephants involved were camp animals used to human presence. However, they noted that the sudden aggression during the bathing routine showed how even trained elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp can act unpredictably when stressed or provoked by surrounding conditions.

Dubare Elephant Camp safety review ordered by minister

Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre called the death “deeply shocking and painful”. Khandre said, “This is an unfortunate incident that nobody could have imagined. May the departed soul rest in peace and may her family find the strength to bear this loss.”

Khandre announced that a detailed inquiry has been ordered into the Dubare Elephant Camp incident. The minister said officials have been instructed to identify lapses, if any, and implement preventive steps so that similar tragedies do not occur during tourist activities or daily routines involving captive elephants.

Dubare Elephant Camp tourist rules under review

The minister stressed that even camp-trained elephants remain wild animals, with behaviour that can change without warning. Khandre suggested tighter tourist safety rules at Dubare Elephant Camp, including stopping visitors from touching elephants, posing close for photographs, feeding bananas or jaggery, or taking part in bathing activities.

Khandre also urged authorities to keep a strictly monitored distance between visitors and captive wild animals at Dubare Elephant Camp and other facilities across Karnataka. Officials said the investigation report and suggested safeguards are expected to guide future protocols aimed at protecting both tourists and elephants during such interactions.